Jamaica’s women’s 4×100 team won gold at the 15th staging of the IAAF Championships in Beijing, China on Saturday in a time of 41.07 seconds.
The team which comprised of Natasha Morrison, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Elaine Thompson and Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce won ahead of USA and Trinidad and Tobago who finished in 41.68 seconds and 42.03 seconds respectively.
Warm weather and fresh fare go hand in hand. While healthy foods dominate the summer months, too often people fall into meal ruts where all they eat are simple salads and grilled chicken. Nutritious foods don’t have to be boring foods, though, because it’s easy to add pizzazz with a few clever twists.
Citrus marinades
Fish and poultry are quality low-fat sources of protein but can come up short in flavor. Fortunately, it’s simple to enhance lackluster chicken breasts or bland salmon with citrus. Think beyond lemon and lime and try more exotic citrus varieties like blood orange, kumquat, Satsuma and tangerine. Marinate and brush on the juices before cooking, or grill your grub with a few citrus slices directly on top. The eye-widening fresh citrus flavors will take your fish and poultry to new heights.
Fantastic feta
Think you need to give up cheese to be healthy? Think again. Feta is a lower-calorie option that packs incredible flavor into any dish. Drape a slice of feta across bite-size snacks or add crumbles to favorite side dishes for Mediterranean flavor that leaves you satisfied.
Grilled fruit
Fresh fruit is abundant during the warmer months and provides plenty of healthy vitamins and nutrients. Instead of always eating it fresh, sink your teeth into new fruit flavor when you try grilling your favorite varieties. Lightly grilling fruit triggers the sugars to start caramelizing, which brings out rich, sweet flavors. Bananas, pineapple, peaches and even cantaloupe are great options. Cut them in half or chop into bite-size pieces and skewer before grilling.
Infused waters
Nutritionists agree that good old H2O is the best thing to drink to stay hydrated, but after a while plain water gets boring. Add a splash of healthy flavor to water by infusing it yourself. Lemon and lime add zest, but you can experiment with all sorts of flavor enhancements, such as cucumber, apple, grapefruit, berries and mint. Keep a pitcher in the fridge with water and your favorite sliced fruits and you’ll always have a healthy drink on hand.
Trendy spices
Nothing adds kick to a bland dish like a touch of spice. If you prefer a little heat and a whole lot of flavor, it’s time to add harissa to your regular cooking routine. This Tunisian hot chili pepper paste has a bold flavor profile that’s delicious with chicken, eggs and even when used as a sandwich spread. Some food insiders claim harissa will be the next Sriracha, so you can be ahead of the curve by stocking a few cans in your pantry.
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Festival ends August 30
The historic CARIFESTA XII began with a bang on August 21, with a grand parade on Champs de Mars in downtown Port-au-Prince. Participants from across the Caribbean were all smiles at this massive event, which continues with artistic showcases from across the region. Representing South Florida, North Miami Mayor Smith Joseph, Miami-Dade Commission Chairman Jean Monestime and Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness were in attendance.
The festival ends on Sunday, August 30. This marks the first time Haiti has hosted the regional event.
Disqualified for disrupting voting process
Two more candidates have been disqualified by election authorities for disrupting the voting process in the August 9 legislative elections. This brings the total number of barred candidates to 16.
Late Wednesday, the council announced it decided to disqualify Lubern Pierre of President Michel Martelly’s political party and Jackson Momplaisir of the LAPEH faction. They were both running for deputy posts. Election officials said Pierre displayed “aggression” toward two officials on Election Day, and Momplaisir was accused of assault and other disruptions.
Voters in the legislative election were filling two-thirds of the 30-member Senate and the entire 119-member Chamber of Deputies.
Despite stating that preminary results would have been published last week, results have not been released. The balloting was considered a test run for the first round of Haiti’s presidential election and the second round of local elections, scheduled for October 25.
Urges to DR to “comply with international human rights laws”
Miramar becomes the latest city to stand in solidarity with deportees in the Dominican Republic’s immigrations crisis, following a unanimous city commission vote in support of Mayor Wayne Messam’s recently proposed resolution condemning the current deportation of Dominicans of Haitian descent
In their resolution, the Commission also added urged the Dominican Republic to ”comply with international human rights laws, halting all impending deportations.”
“The City of Miramar has a large population of Haitians in our wonderful City and it is important that they know we support the community during this difficult time,” said Messam.
Haitian-American city official, Vice Mayor Darline Riggs, also spoke, urging the public to support the cause, encouraging them to “imagine themselves in a similar situation.”
Attending and speaking at the meeting were a number of supporters including Executive Director of Haitian Women of Miami, Marleine Bastien, who passionately advocated for Haitians born in the Dominican Republic
“They are not immigrants, they are Dominican and should not be deported,” said Bastien.
Also addressing the Commission were Guithele Ruiz-Nicolas, President of the Haitian American Democratic Club of Broward County.
Jamaica’s medal count up to 9
Jamaican hurdler Danielle Williams gave Jamaica its 9th medal as she hurdled impressively to capture the gold medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the World Championships in Beijing, China in an impressive 12.57 seconds.
Second place went to Germany’s Cindy Roleder in 12.59 seconds and Alina Talay of Belarus in 12.66 seconds.
Danielle’s sister Shermaine Williams finished seventh in a time of 12.95 seconds.
Governor Rick Scott of Florida issued a state of emergency Friday as Tropical Storm Erika headed toward the state after killing at least four and causing devastating floods in the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica.
Scott used a brief press conference to remind locals to stock up on supplies, including at least three days’ worth of food and water.
The storm is expected to hit southern Florida on Monday after battering the Dominican Republic and Haiti with “life-threatening floods” over the weekend, the US National Hurricane Centre said on Friday.
Governor Rick Scott made his declaration that Erika “poses a severe threat to the entire state” shortly after forecasters adjusted the trajectory of the storm to show that it is predicted to go through the middle of the state.
Enjoy these deliciously inspired Caribbean fruit drink recipes
The Sour Punch: Trini Tamarind Juice
Both, deliciously tart and sweet, this non-alcohol sweet drink from Trinidadian food blogger Chris De La Rosa still packs a punch, thanks to a touch of Angostura bitters.
Ingredients:
2 cups tamarind pulp (prepacked or fresh)
6-8 cups water
1/2 cup sugar (add more to your liking)
1 teaspoon Mixed Essence (or vanilla extract)
3 drops Angostura Bitters
Slices of lime
Directions:
Recipe from caribbeanpot.com
The Health Kick: Bajan Lime Ginger Kiss
Enjoy this refreshing punch guilt-free by popular Bajan vegan blogger Taymer Mason. Healthy sugar substitutes make this sweet treat an effortless addition.
Ingredients:
2 limes juiced
1 cup ice
1 cup water
5 mint leaves
1 tbsp. agave nectar
1 small pack of stevia
2×2 inch of fresh ginger
Directions:
Recipe from caribbeanvegan.com
The Secret Sweet: Guyanese Green Mango Drink
For Caribbean foodies, green mango may (literally) pale in comparison to its riper cousin. Jehan Peters took Guyana’s love of the unripe fruit for this sweet surprise.
Ingredients:
3 cups green mango peel and diced, about 1 large mango (discard the seed)
4 cups water
Juice of 2 limes
1 recipe simple syrup (1 cup sugar and 1 cup water)
Directions:
Recipe from jehancancook.com
The Boozer: Jamaican Soursop Drink
Condensed milk, creamy pulp from soursop, and just a touch of Jamaican rum make this drink from Jamaican food bloggers Fay and Angela DeLeon extra decadent.
Ingredients
1 ripe Soursop
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 tsp grated Nutmeg
2 Tbsp fresh Lime Juice
1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
5 cups of Water
White Rum (amount your choice)
Directions:
Recipe from cooklikeajamaican.com
Jamaica has long been a vacation haven for the luxury-seeking elite. From Montego Bay to Port Antonio, here’s a sampling of Jamaica’s most lavish retreats.
Negril
For the Foodie: Azul Sensatori Jamaica
Located on Negril’s world famous Seven Mile Beach, Azul Sensatori Jamaica, offers 136 ocean-view rooms and five restaurants, including Karisma’s Gourmet Inclusive, where world-renowned chefs and sommeliers also serve a la carte, 24-hour room service. azuljamaica.com
For the Music Buff: Geejam Hotel
Famous as the creative retreat for music stars such as Beyoncé and Drake, Geejam Hotel is equipped with a premiere recording studio, healing spa, swimming pool, gym and bushbar. The property forms an exclusive universe between the foothills of the Blue Mountains and the sapphire waters of Frenchman’s Cove. geejamhotel.com
For the Adventurous: Tensing Pen Resort
An incredible boutique resort, Tensing Pen is home to a multitude of remarkable stone, wood and thatchcut cottages overlooking the stunning limestone cliffs of Negril’s West End. Guests can indulge their adventurous side with guided tours, mountain biking expeditions, scuba diving and parasailing. tensingpen.com
Montego Bay
For the Sportsman: Half Moon, A RockResort
One of the world’s finest resort hotels, Half Moon sits on a private estate with beautifully landscaped gardens, a nature reserve, all fronted by two miles of private beach. But this classic spot is the epitome of luxury for the sports lover, with an 18-hole championship golf course, an equestrian center, thirteen tennis courts and a private Dolphin Lagoon. rosehallmontegobay.com
For the Family: Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
An ideal luxury experience for families, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall offers unparalleled family-friendly accommodations (every room category can sleep at least two adults and one child), a kids’ club, and water activities like kayaking and snorkeling. rosehallmontegobay.com
For the Romantic: Round Hill Hotel
Steeped in rich history, Round Hill’s 110-acre private enclave boasts Ralph Lauren designed oceanfront guestrooms, award-winning seaside dining and exquisite spa – perfect for honeymooners. Couples may indulge in a soothing, invigorating yoga class in the spa’s outdoor ocean view pavilion, or tempt their palates with the restaurant’s locally grown, organic cuisine. roundhill.com
Ocho Rios
For the Recluse: Jamaica Inn
Consistently ranked among the top luxury hotels in the Caribbean, Jamaica Inn boasts an intimate eight-acre property situated on a private cove with an offshore reef. With 52 suites and and 700-foot private white sand beach, often considered the Caribbean’s best, this exclusive resort is the perfect getaway for the unassuming traveler. jamaicainn.com
Oracabessa
For the Booklover: GoldenEye Hotel and Resort
The former home of James Bond author, Ian Fleming, GoldenEye is now a stunning 52-acre resort, home to secret coves, breathtaking private beaches, tropical forests and a seawater lagoon. The property also boasts the FieldSpa and two restaurants – Bizot Bar and The Gazebo. goldeneye.com
Port Antonio
For the Whimsical: The Trident Hotel
Set on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, the fanciful castle-like Trident Hotel in Port Antonio offers a vision of contemporary luxury, with thirteen spacious villas each come equipped with oceanfront porticos and private soaking pools. The highlight is Mike’s Supper Club, a high-end speakeasy fusing exceptional music and cuisine. tridentportantonio.com
Jamaica’s Hansle Parchment walked away with a silver medal in the men’s 110m hurdles at the 2015 IAAF Championships in Beijing, China after running 13.03 seconds.
The race was won by Russia’s Sergey Shubenkov in 12.98 seconds.
Teammate Omar McLeod finished sixth in 13.18 seconds.
In a very close 200m race, Elaine Thompson copped silver in 21.66 seconds behind Dutchwoman Dafne Schippers who won the race in 21.63 in the at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.
Veteran Campbell-Brown secured the bronze medal with a season best time of 21.97 seconds.
Heavy winds and rain take over island
More than 10 people are confirmed dead as Tropical Storm Erika unleashed its fury on the island on Thursday.
The police report that three of the deaths occurred during a mudslide in the southeastern end of the island where they recovered the bodies of an elderly visually impaired man and two children from a house.
On Thursday afternoon, heavy wind and rain have continued to buffet the island and 80 per cent of the island remains without electricity and water.
In the latest forcast from the Miami based National Hurricane Center, the centre of Tropical Storm Erika was located near latitude 16.5 North, longitude 63.8 West.
Assie found bullets in small brown envelope
The election saga continues as Independent Liberal Party (ILP) candidate Fabien Assie received lethal threats in the form of two bullets delivered to his campaign office this past weekend.
Assie, who is contesting the Fyzabad constituency, reportedly found a small brown envelope with the words “This is for Fyzabad candidate Fabien Assie” inside the doorway.
Assie was admitted to the Gulf View Medical Centre for shock. Meanwhile, police are investigating the source of the hostile letter. As proof, ILP leader Jack Warner posted a photo of the bullets on social media. In response, ILP chairman Rekha Ramjit called for increased security for candidates.
“Personal security is a major issue,” said Ramjit. “It is one that former minister of national security, Mr Gary Griffith, said that we should pay special attention to. I believe that security for all the candidates is a must in this election.”
Assie is the second politician in recent weeks who has been threatened, following the People’s National Movement (PNM), Dr. Keith Rowley’s recent report of death threats
10th coronation to be held at Miramar Cultural Center
Celebrating this special anniversary, Miss Miami Broward Carnival Pageant – the official pageant of Miami Broward One Carnival – will be hosting the 10th Annual Pageant on Saturday 26th of September at 7 p.m at the Miramar Cultural Arts Center.
It will be a night of pageantry and cultural experience, as these young ladies ages 17 to 25 years, and pre-teens 7 to 3 years, express their viewpoints and accomplishments and also showcase their best through three competitions: talent, carnival costume and evening wear.
The Reigning Queen, Jamaican Parrys Sommers, will be passing on her crown. Who will be another Jamaican, Guyanese, Cuban, US Virgin Islands, American or Trinidadian Queen? Our Miss Miami Broward Carnival Queen will also be eligible to enter the Miss Florida USA competition held next year.
The Miami Broward Carnival Pageant is a non-profit organization, dedicated to inspire young women to develop their individual strengths, values, community service, Caribbean and American cultures, and to be leaders in their community. The Miss Miami Broward Carnival Pageant awards to the winners scholarships and other prizes and with the support and contributions from local individuals, businesses and organizations the Miss Miami Broward Carnival Pageant is able to maintain this tradition.
If you would like to support this special and cultural important event, please contact us at 786-356-0869 or via email at Missmiamicarvinal@hotmail.com
Play comes to South Florida Labor Weekend
Oliver Samuels leaned over to the microphone and asked with a smile: “Unu memba Gregory Issacs? Him say the more them get it, is the more them want it..,so me haffi give it to them?”
That was in response to National Weekly about making Caribbean theater history in Florida by playing in an unprecedented four cities in a single weekend, as his hugely successful theatrical comedy, “Divorce Papers,” comes to South Florida this Labor Day Weekend, starting Friday, September 4th in Palm Bay. The play then stops in Pembroke Pines on Saturday, September 5th, Coral Springs on Sunday, September 6th and ends on Labor Day, Monday September 7th in West Palm Beach. Such an achievement is a testament to the product that Oliver Samuels delivers as no Caribbean family entertainment in any genre can boast such a schedule.
Despite the success of sold out shows for “Divorce Papers” night after night in Jamaica and Canada, Oliver remains humble. Probed more about Divorce Papers being possibly the highest grossing Caribbean play in history, Oliver says “Mi nuh know.”
“Perhaps is the fact that I have teamed with the great writer Basil Dawkins, perhaps is the cast the people love. We thrive to deliver good clean family entertainment and we are honored by the response. The Promoter actually wanted to add more shows in Florida based on ticket sales but unfortunately we will be touring from now until December so apologies in advance to my Florida fans who never got tickets.”
For more information contact the Ticket hotline at (954) 534-4852 or like Oliversamuelsplays on facebook or visit oliversamuelsplays.com.
Local pockets of unvaccinated children can reveal nation’s vulnerabilities
Vaccine exemption levels for kindergarteners are low for most states and infant vaccination rates are high nationally, according to data from two reports published in a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
The first report looked at vaccination coverage and exemption levels among children entering kindergarten for the 2014-2015 school year. Nationally, exemption levels remain low with a median level of 1.7 percent. However, state exemption levels ranged from a low of less than 0.1 percent in Mississippi to a high of 6.5 percent in Idaho. Additionally, five states did not meet the reporting standards for providing exemption data.
The second report examined vaccination rates among children ages 19 months through 35 months for 2014. Vaccination coverage remained high: over 90 percent for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR); polio; hepatitis B; and varicella vaccines. The percentage of children who do not receive vaccinations also remained low, at less than 1 percent.
“Collaborative efforts are the reason our nation has been able to achieve such high coverage nationally, but much work is still needed to shield our schools and communities from future outbreaks,” said Anne Schuchat, MD (RADM, USPHS), director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
One important change from 2013 to 2014 was the number of states that provided local coverage and exemption data online. There was an increase from 18 states providing such data in 2013 to 21 states providing these data in 2014. Making this information available publicly keeps parents informed, guides vaccination policies, and strengthens immunization programs.
When a disease like measles reaches a community with large numbers of unvaccinated people, it can spread very quickly. Therefore, local pockets of people who are missing vaccinations can leave communities vulnerable to outbreaks.
Consistent, high coverage rates are needed to provide community immunity (herd immunity) and protect children from disease outbreaks like measles.
The CDC recommends that all children be vaccinated according to the recommended schedule.
Workshops to assist bond-ready emerging businesses
New and emerging local small, micro and M/WBE businesses and contractors interested in becoming bond ready can sign up for the Model Contractor Development Program workshops – once a week for eight-weeks beginning Thursday, September 3, 2015 – presented by Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Office of Economic Opportunity in partnership with the Surety & Fidelity Association of America.
The all-inclusive workshops will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the School Board Administration Building, located at 1450 N.E. Second Ave. The workshops will touch on different topics each week, such as business planning, estimating and bidding. Participants also will receive technical assistance to complete a bond application and one-on-one sessions with local professionals.
The Model Contractor Development Program is one of the 12 agreed upon solutions, between M-DCPS and the NAACP, Urban League and BAC Funding, to assist local businesses.
For more information, contact Michelle Hicks-Levy at 305-995-1307.
Storm has potential to impact South Florida
The County’s Emergency Management officials are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Erika which still has the potential to impact South Florida. “At this time, Broward County is still in the cone of probability and there is a potential for Erika to intensify over the next four days,” said Miguel Ascarrunz, Director of Broward County Emergency Management.
“At this time, residents and businesses should ensure their emergency plans are in order. Residents should remain vigilant and monitor the media for announcements from the Broward County Emergency Operations Center for any protective actions to be taken should Tropical Storm Erika pose a threat to Broward County.”
There are a number of ways to “stay connected” and receive important information from the Broward County Emergency Operations Center before, during and after an emergency event, including news about tropical storm and/or hurricane watches and warnings, evacuation orders, recommended protective actions and other related public safety information.
UNESCO designation expected to increase competitiveness as a tourism destination
Jamaica’s Blue and John Crow Mountains has been designated a World Heritage Site. This follows the UNESCO World Heritage Committee’s unanimous decision to have the site inscribed on the prestigious World Heritage List. The decision was made at the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting now underway in Bonn, Germany.
The designation marks the first World Heritage site for Jamaica and is also the first mixed (cultural and natural) site for the Caribbean sub-region. The Blue and John Crow Mountains is one of only 32 mixed sites worldwide, which include several renowned sites such as The Taj Mahal of India, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the Great Wall of China.
“We are pleased to learn that the Blue and John Crow Mountains is now recognized as a World Heritage Site,” said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “It will enhance the appeal to visitors from around the world who travel for culture and heritage,” he added. “Jamaica has a rich cultural heritage and our addition to the World Heritage List will serve to boost our standing as a competitive destination in accordance with the Word Economic Forum’s Travel and TourismCompetitiveness Index.”
The inscription resulted from a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment and its agencies, and the Ministry of Youth and Culture, funded by the TourismEnhancement Fund (TEF).
Heads to Practical Nursing School This September
As part of her prize package for winning the GraceKennedy/Heather Little-White Household of the Year 2015 title, Rosetta Steer received $100,000 towards the educational expenses for a secondary student she nominated. That amount was given to her grand-daughter, who is about to enter first form. However, when the new school term starts in September, there will be two students going to school. Rosetta will be fulfilling a lifelong dream by attending The Doncaster School of Practical Nursing in Bournemouth Gardens, Kingston, Jamaica. She will pursue this course of study even as she continues her current job as a Household Worker.
“For years I felt as though I was stuck in a rut. Now thanks to this award, the hard work I have put in over the years, and with the Grace of God, I can now see myself as a very successful household worker,” said Rosetta, who also won $250,000 which will not only help her complete her year-long course in practical nursing, but will also go towards the fulfillment of another lifelong dream – owning a home of her own.
The first of 11 children, Rosetta left Ewarton Secondary School at 15 years old, after only three months at the institution due to financial challenges. “I could barely spell my name. My mother tried to send me back to school but she found it hard to come up with the money. I had to go to school without breakfast, without lunch. I would go to school and hide in the bathroom at lunchtime because I didn’t want anyone to know I had no lunch money.
In search of a better life, she left her home in St Ann in 1982 to live with relatives in Kingston. After becoming pregnant at age 18, she went back to live with her mother in St. Ann. After having her son, Jermaine, she went in search of work to support him.
She found employment as a household worker, and had her second son, Jason at 26. According to Rosetta, despite the difficulties she faced, she was determined to upgrade her skills set so that she could improve her situation and raise her children to the best of her ability.
That prompted her to start attending evening classes at Bethel Baptist, and to later sit and Jamaica School Certificate exams in English and Civics. She joined the Jamaica Household Workers Union and participated in training courses in public speaking, negotiation skills, leadership skills and computing offered by the Management Institute for National Development (MIND). She also pursued training in mediation with the Dispute Resolution Foundation and in 2014, completed a course in housekeeping through City & Guilds Group.
After someone placed an ad on her behalf in the Dr Bird publication, done by the US Embassy in Jamaica, offers of employment began to roll in from members of the expatriate community. Her reputation as an outstanding worker spread and Rosetta became highly sought after in her field. In a very tangible and meaningful expression of their appreciation for her and her standard of work, two of her current employers, both diplomats, nominated her for the Top Household Worker Award.
“Winning the award has given me more confidence to do things that I didn’t think I could do before, such as speaking in public. When I was named the winner of the award, I had to stand up and speak in front of everybody at the luncheon. I was nervous because that is one of my biggest fears. However I did it. And I said to myself afterwards, if I can do that then, I could do anything, “says Rosetta.
She continued, “I really thank GraceKennedy for the award, not just for me, but for all household workers. One of the things I had always wanted to see is Corporate Jamaica doing something for household workers. I would often see in the media something being done for civil servants and I always wondered what happened to the household worker. Thankfully we are now being recognized.”
Diaspora bursting with pride
Jamaicans in South Florida are bursting with pride at the outstanding performances of Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the IAAF Championships underway in Beijing, China.
Bolt won the 100 meters in his season best 9.79 seconds, while Fraser-Pryce won the women’s version in 10.76 seconds. While Fraser-Pryce has been showing good form during the current 2015 track season, and breezed through the heats and semi-finals at the World Champs, some people had doubts about Bolt’s ability to win the race.
“I must confess I had doubts” said Percy Aries who with his wife Barbara runs Swift Spikes, a camp for young aspiring athletes in Homestead, Miami-Dade. “Usain didn’t look sharp in either the heats or the semi-finals. Plus, he hasn’t really won many races this year. But when he stumbled in the semi-final and recovered to run 9.96 my hopes surged. To see he was able to catch, and pull away to beat an over-confident (Justin) Gatlin indicated he’s truly one of the greatest sprinters of all times.”
Jamaican Consular General, Franz Hall, proudly congratulated both athletes. He said their victories exemplified “the dedication, drive and commitment of Jamaicans to excel in their chosen endeavor. Jamaican athletes and people are remarkably resilient, and for that we all can be very proud.”
About a dozen teen girls trying to hone their athletics skills at Swift Spikes screamed with elation as a video of Fraser-Pryce winning the 100meters was replayed on Monday. “For these girls Shelly-Ann is their hero, Barbara Aries said. “They’re not only impressed by her medals, but more her consistent humility and dedication to the sport. She’s an outstanding role model for these young girls.”
At the time of writing Bolt and Fraser Pryce were set to continue shining in Beijing. Easily swept his semi-final round to make it to the final.
“With the 200 being Bolt’s better race, barring starting issues, he should win his third 200 at the World’s,” Aries said.
Fraser-Pryce skipped the 200 meters, but will be a member of Jamaica’s women 4 x 100meters relay team, which should be in contention to win gold. Bolt will also be a member of Jamaica’s 4 x 100 meters men relay team. The relays will be run on Saturday, August 29.
Shot-putter O’Dayne Richards also made Jamaicans proud, becoming the first to win a medal, the bronze, in the event for his country. Jamaican 400 meters women athletes also made history with all four competitors, Novlene Williams-Mills, Shericka Jackson, Christine Day, and Stephenie Ann McPherson, making it to the 400 finals scheduled for Thursday.
However, despite the pride at successful athletes, there were disappointments. These included Asafa Powell failing to medal in the 100 meters; the Jamaican men failing to make it to the 400 meters finals after three competitors ran well in the heats, and the failure of the usually impressive 400 meters hurdler Kaliese Spencer, who finished eighth in the 400 meters finals. Also disappointing for the Caribbean was the failure of Grenadian Kirani James to win gold in 400 meters finals, although he won the bronze medal.
Girlz to attend public meet and greet
Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz have been announced as the special guests of this year’s Jamaica High School Alumni Soccer and Netball Tournament, set for September 6th & 7th at the Lauderhill Sports Complex. Members of all three teams will attend a public meet & greet, engaging young soccer fans in friendly drills and other activities.
“We are pleased to include the Jamaica National Women’s Soccer Program in the upcoming Soccer and Netball Tournament,” said Lavern Deer, JHSASN President. “For the first time, all three national women’s teams are in competition, with a serious chance of making it through the upcoming World Cup and Olympic Qualifiers. At the request of Reggae Girlz’ global Ambassador Cedella Marley, we will assist the teams in raising awareness and funds to ensure the necessary coaching, housing, proper nutrition and training to keep the Reggae Girlz at the top of their game.”
Guests can show full support of the women’s teams by purchasing Reggae Girlz T-Shirts.
On Friday, September 4 Catholic Legal Services of Miami will help local green card holders take the first step towards becoming citizens through a free event as part of the New Americans Campaign.
This workshop will provide lawful permanent residents with free naturalization application assistance by professional and trained volunteers. Individuals will also receive legal counsel by probono attorneys and legal experts. Services are available in Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Haitian Creole and English.
The New Americans Campaign is an innovative partnership with organizations like Catholic Legal Services that seeks to help aspiring Americans overcome barriers to becoming citizens and achieve citizenship. Workshops like these show the local community that there is assistance available and that the New Americans Campaign is there to lend a helping hand through its network of partners and service providers.
Registration is not required. For more information contact Raul Hernandez 786-414-2765.
Country officials and mayors fearful of environmental damage
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently reviewing an application for an oil drilling permit in the Everglades, just six miles west of the City of Miramar.
However, Broward County officials, including county officials and mayors of several Broward cities, are strongly protesting to the project, mindful of environmental damage that could affect Miramar particularly.
Last month Kanter Corporation, a Miami real-estate company, applied for a state permit to drill an exploratory oil well in the Everglades. The reaction by Broward officials was immediate. City of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam summoned a town-hall meeting, including other county mayors and officials, to express opposition to the oil-drilling project.
“The news was very alarming,” says Mayor Messam. “There are so many potential risk of any oil drilling activities to take place in the fragile Everglades, especially going through the Biscayne aquifer, which is the main water source for most utilities for cities throughout South Florida, including Miramar. I have to speak out on behalf of the residents.”
The Mayor of Pembroke Pines also convened a town hall meeting opposing the project.
In its opposition, the Broward County Commission earlier this month voted unanimously to seek an amendment to state law giving counties the legal authority to determine whether drilling for oil is permissible within their borders, rather than permission granted by the state.
Fort Lauderdale geologist Kevin Francis said there’s a possibility oil could be found at the proposed drilling site “or anywhere else in South Florida,” as there’s a large vein of crude oil called the Sunniland Trend running west to east across the region. However, this deposit is very deep, over 10,000 feet down, which will require expensive drilling.
Attempts to contact Kanter Cooperation for information about the drilling project was unsuccessful, but according to reports, the company plans involve drilling a 12,000 feet well. Coinciding with the filing for its application for an oil-drilling permit, Kanter issued a statement indicating steps would be taken to protect the region’s environment. “We value Florida’s precious natural resources and believe the team of experts we have hired will allow us to complete the project safely while protecting Florida’s environment’” the statement read.
Kanter also stated the drilling site was part of 20,000 acres the company owned. The oil-drilling project is the early phase of a long-term plan that also includes rock mining, water storage and water quality improvement components “that have the potential for assisting with Everglades restoration.”
But Martin Pindlin, a former Miami environmental engineer now residing in Georgia, says, “It’s extremely risky to drill oil so close to a city. There’s potential for the city’s water supply to be contaminated. I would be surprised if the zoning codes of Broward County allow oil drilling so close to a city.”
Earlier this month, Broward County’s staff apprised commissioners the proposed drilling site is zoned only for conservation. Commissioner Dale Holness said, “This clearly prohibits any oil drilling project. The zoning codes are clear.”
But residents of Miramar generally seem unconcerned about the possibility of an oil-drilling project so close to their city.
“I doubt that would ever happen,” said Johnnie Kirk. “This reminds me of the failed Goat Island project in Jamaica. The environmentalist lobby is so strong, especially regarding the everglades, it will kill any oil-drilling plans.”
Eugene Bailey was more dubious. “If oil-drilling so near to West Miramar had strong economic potential, West Miramar would be a huge oil-drilling plant, not a residential sprawl. This project is a no-go.”
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